NFL Player News

Kirk (foot) said Wednesday that he expects to be fully healthy by the end of February.

Kirk previously suggested he wouldn't face any limitations when the Cardinals hold OTAs in May, but the wideout is apparently going to be back to full strength well in advance of Arizona's offseason program. The fact that Kirk won't be forced to miss any workouts bodes well for his chances of gaining quick familiarity with new coach Kliff Kingsbury's offensive scheme. Prior to breaking his left foot in December and requiring surgery, Kirk had solidified himself as a starter for the Cardinals, finishing his rookie campaign with 43 receptions for 590 yards and three touchdowns in 12 games.

Kirkwood (calf) returned to workouts within days of the Saints' season-ending playoff loss to the Rams, Josh Katzenstein of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.

Kirkwood showed promise as a rookie in 2018, catching 13 passes for 209 yards and two scores. Four of those receptions were for more than 20 yards, and he added another touchdown in the Saints' divisional-round victory over Philadelphia. The undrafted Temple product unfortunately strained his calf during that game against the Eagles, though, and he was consequently unable to practice all week ahead of the NFC Championship Game against Los Angeles. However, Kirkwood's quick return to workouts suggests the aforementioned strain won't affect his availability for New Orleans' offseason workout program this spring.

Agholor is due to earn $9.38 million in 2019 under the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, Zack Rosenblatt of NJ.com reports.

With the option year guaranteed for injury only, the cap-strapped Eagles can reduce the $9.38 million hit with a multi-year extension, or remove it entirely with a trade/release. The team presumably will need to choose between Agholor and impending free agent Golden Tate, as it doesn't make sense to heavily invest in two wide receivers that are both at their best when working from the slot. The 25-year-old Agholor has youth and scheme familiarity working in his favor, while 30-year-old Tate has demonstrated a much higher ceiling with three 1,000-yard seasons. Regardless of how things play out, Zach Ertz and Alshon Jeffery will be first in line for targets in Philadelphia.

Hopkins (shoulder) isn't worried about his health and says he's excited to work with new offensive coordinator Tim Kelly, Aaron Wilson of The Houston Chronicle reports. "Oh man, I'm good," Hopkins said. "I got a long time until our next game, so I'll be fine."

Hopkins was listed on every injury report after Week 1 in 2018, but he never came close to missing any games despite dealing with thumb, ankle, foot and hamstring injuries. He then hurt the AC joint in his right shoulder during a playoff loss to the Colts, referring to the injury as a Grade 3 sprain after the game. It isn't entirely clear the initial diagnosis was accurate, as Hopkins' ability to continue playing might be taken as a hint that he actually suffered a Grade 2 sprain. In any case, it was probably an easy decision to withdraw from the Pro Bowl and focus on getting healthy before the Texans start their offseason program in mid-April. The team will have an offensive coordinator for the first time since 2016, with Kelly getting a promotion after coaching tight ends last season. Head coach Bill O'Brien still figures to run the show on offense and call plays.

Grant revealed Friday that his season-ending injury wasn't a ruptured Achilles, Joe Schad of The Palm Beach Post reports. "Just a minor surgery," Grant said. "Not a rupture. Nothing big. I'll be back. No time date. I'm getting better each and every day."

Grant suffered the injury Nov. 11, undergoing surgery Nov. 19 and landing on injured reserve Nov. 28. While he didn't elaborate on the exact nature of the problem, he did acknowledge that it may prevent him for taking part in OTAs. Grant is hopeful to be ready for the start of training camp, yet acknowledged it's not quite a sure thing. The rebuilding Dolphins may prefer a cautious approach, especially when dealing with an undersized player who is entirely reliant on his agility and speed to be effective. Grant has one season remaining on his rookie contract.

Grant (Achilles) isn't sure if he'll be ready for OTAs, but he does expect to be on the field at the start of training camp, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com reports.

Given that he ruptured his Achilles' tendon Nov. 11, it's far from a sure thing Grant is actually ready for team drills at the start of camp. He also faces a greater challenge than most players coming back from the same injury, as the 5-foot-7, 170-pound wide receiver is entirely reliant on his excellent speed and agility. Grant won't have much value to the Dolphins if he loses a step, so the team figures take a cautious approach ahead of what's widely being viewed as a rebuilding season. The 2016 sixth-round pick has one year remaining on his rookie contract.

Patterson signed a futures contract with the Patriots on Tuesday, Mike Reiss of ESPN.com reports.

Patterson failed to make an active roster as an undrafted rookie in 2018. He ended the year on New England's practice squad and will look to make the roster as a depth receiver in 2019.

Dorsett was on the field for 26 of a possible 72 snaps on offense in Sunday's 13-3 win over the Rams in Super Bowl LIII. He did not record a catch.

Dorsett, who was not targeted in the contest, will be eligible for free agency next month. The speedy 26-year-old finished the 2018 season with 32 catches (on 42 targets) for 290 yards and three TDs in 16 games. The 2015 first-rounder's overall numbers were capped by the fact there were multiple games in which he wasn't targeted, but Dorsett was able to produce when the team was shorthanded, and it's still possible that he'll re-sign with New England if he isn't lured away by another team offering good money and a more concrete role.

Reynolds caught three of seven targets for 28 yards during a 13-3 loss to the Patriots in the Super Bowl.

The second-year pro had a couple big moments in the NFC Championship Game, yet he finished the playoffs with just eight catches for 121 yards in three contests, despite ranking third on the Rams with 18 targets. Reynolds found the end zone on five of his 29 catches during the regular season, but he was a far cry from Cooper Kupp (knee) in terms of consistency, posting a 54.7 percent catch rate and 7.6 yards per target. It won't come as any surprise if the Rams try to upgrade their No. 4 receiver spot in the offseason, considering Jared Goff became inconsistent after Reynolds replaced Kupp in an every-down role. Given the timing of his ACL tear in mid-November, there's no assurance Kupp will be ready for Week 1 in 2019.

Cooks caught eight of 13 targets for 120 yards during Sunday's 13-3 loss to the Patriots.

Cooks led the team in targets, catches and receiving yardage as he averaged a healthy 15.0 yards per catch. He nearly scored on two occasions, only to see Patriots defenders break up the play both times. Although this was a putrid offensive performance by the Rams, it was hardly Cooks' fault, as he topped 100 receiving yards for the second straight postseason contest. The speedster was coming off a strong regular season in which he totaled 80 receptions for 1,204 yards, with five receiving touchdowns and another on the ground.